In Dubai and other emirates, many foreigners are puzzled: why, in 2025, when online banking and cryptocurrency exist, are checks still so widely used ? The answer is simple: in the Emirates, the check systеm remains one of the most reliable and legally recognized payment methods.
This is especially true for real estate transactions, long-term leases, and major contracts. There are two main instruments: a personal check and a manager’s check . Both are similar in appearance—a paper document with details and an amount. But the difference between them is significant, and the security of the transaction depends on which check you use.
Let’s take a closer look at each type of check, how they differ, and which option to choose in a given situation.
What is a personal bank check?
A personal check in the Emirates is similar to a familiar instrument in Europe and the US. A bank account holder has a checkbook. They can write a check at any time, specifying the recipient and the amount.
Features of a personal check in the UAE:
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Issued by an individual or company that has an account opened in the bank.
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Money is debited only upon presentation of a receipt for payment.
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If there are insufficient funds in the account, the check may be returned unpaid.
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Failure to fulfill obligations may result in liability, including legal action.
In Dubai, personal checks are widely used in property rentals . Tenants often write several checks to the landlord for the year ahead (for example, four checks for quarters). The landlord is assured of the money, and the tenant receives payment in installments.
However, in large transactions, personal checks are almost never used—the risks of non-payment are too high.
What is a manager’s check?
A manager check is a completely different instrument. It’s not issued by a private individual, but rather by a bank upon the client’s official request . The money is immediately debited from the client’s account and reserved for the recipient.
Features of manager’s check:
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Guaranteed by the bank, not by an individual.
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The money has already been debited from the account; payment cannot be refused.
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The recipient receives one hundred percent confidence that the check will be paid.
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Used for large and legally significant transactions: real estate purchases, corporate payments, government fees.
This is why developers in Dubai always require a manager’s receipt when purchasing an apartment or villa .
The main difference: payment guarantee
In short:
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A personal check is the account holder’s promise to pay, but they may not have the money when they present it.
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A manager check is a bank guarantee. The money has already been debited, and it cannot be rejected.
For foreigners looking to invest safely in Dubai, a manager check is becoming a key tool.
Comparison of Personal Check and Check Manager
| Parameter | Personal check | Manager’s check |
|---|---|---|
| Who issues the order? | Account owner | Bank on behalf of the client |
| Payment guarantee | No, it depends on the balance | 100% bank guarantee |
| When money is written off | Only upon presentation | Immediately upon release |
| Risks | A refund is possible if there are no funds. | There are no risks |
| Where is it used? | Rental housing, small transactions | Real estate purchase, large contracts |
| Recipient’s attitude | Requires trust in the payer | Absolute confidence in payment |
| Commission | Free (usually) | 25–150 AED per check |
Examples of use
1. Renting an apartment
Alexey rents a place in Dubai. He signs a one-year lease and writes the landlord four personal checks (one for each quarter). The landlord accepts them because the risks are low and he can recover the money through the courts if he refuses to pay.
2. Buying real estate
Marina decided to buy an apartment from developer Emaar for 1.5 million AED. The developer requires payment by manager’s check. The bank debits the funds from her account and issues a manager’s check in the company’s name. For the developer, this guarantees that the funds have already been secured.
3. Payment of state duty
An Abu Dhabi company is participating in a tender and is required to make a deposit. Instead of a wire transfer, they provide the manager with a check, as government agencies only accept guaranteed payments.
Why is a manager check safer for foreigners?
Many investors from Russia, Ukraine, Europe, and the CIS face the question of how to pay for real estate in Dubai in rubles or hryvnias. Typically, they transfer funds to dirhams, deposit them into a bank account, and then issue a manager check.
This tool is convenient for foreigners because:
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The bank checks the transaction and confirms its legality.
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The seller or developer is confident that the payment is “clean” and risk-free.
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You receive an official document that is accepted everywhere in the UAE.
What to choose: personal check or manager check?
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If you’re renting an apartment for a year, a personal check will do. This is convenient, especially if you’re a resident and have a stable income.
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If the question is about purchasing real estate, paying government fees, or a major contract, a manager’s receipt is always needed.
The recipient will require a manager’s check in any case, and without it the transaction simply won’t take place.
Conclusion
Cheques remain a key element of the financial systеm in the Emirates. But it’s important to clearly understand the difference:
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A personal check is a promise by the payer that involves risk.
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A manager’s check is a bank guarantee and one hundred percent certainty of payment.
Therefore, foreign investors, businessmen, and property buyers in Dubai should research the manager’s check process in advance. This will avoid misunderstandings and ensure the transaction is as secure as possible.
